Privacy Policy
At Busy Kin, we understand that trust is the foundation of our work with rural and remote families. We are deeply committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled with the highest level of care and professional integrity. This policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your data, in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (CTH) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APP's).
Data We Collect
We may collect personal and sensitive information that is necessary to provide social work services, including:
- Name, contact details, date of birth
- Emergency contact details
- Information about your family, caregiving role and circumstances
- Health, wellbeing and psychosocial information relevant to support
- Session notes and professional records
- Billing and payment information
Sensitive information is collected only where necessary and with your consent, except where required by law.
How information is collected and why
Personal information may be collected:
- through intake and consent forms
- during Telehealth sessions
- via email, phone or secure online platforms
- through referrals (with consent)
Your information is collected and used for purposes including:
- providing social work services
- maintaining professional records
- managing appointments and communication
- billing and administrative requirements
- meeting legal, ethical, and professional obligations
Information is not used for marketing purposes without consent.
Disclosure of information
Your information will remain confidential except where:
- you have provided consent to share information
- there is a serious risk of harm to you or another person
- there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable person (mandatory reporting)
- disclosure is required by law, court order or subpoena
- Consultation occurs for professional supervision (information is de-identified where possible)
Where appropriate, disclosure will be discussed with you.
Storage and Security
- Busy Kin Counselling takes reasonable steps to protect your poersonal information, including:
- secure digital storage systems
- password protection and encryption where available
- limiting access to information to practitioner only
- information is retained in accordance with legal and professional record keeping requirements
Telehealth and digital communication
Telehealth sessions are delivered using secure platforms. While every effort is made to protect privacy, absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in digital environments.
Clients are encouraged to:
- attend the session in a private location
- use secure personal devices
- be mindful of others who may overhear sessions
Access and correction
You may request to access your personal information or request corrections if information is inaccurate. Requests will be managed in line with legal and ethical obligations.
In some circumstances, access may be limited where disclosures could cause harm or breach legal requirements.
Complaints
If you have concerns about how your personal information has been handled, you are encouraged to raise them directly. If concerns cannot be resolved, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au
Changes to This Policy
This policy may be updated from time to time. The most current version will be available on the Busy Kin Counselling Website.
Contact Us
We understand that privacy is a cornerstone of trust in telehealth social work. If you have any inquiries regarding your personal information, or wish to discuss how we align with Australian privacy standards for rural support, please reach out. Our team is here to listen and provide a supportive pathway forward for your family.